Uni workshop brings advanced Chemistry in focus

SEPTEMBER 02, 2016 / Articles

This term Year 13 Chemistry students from across
New Zealand had the opportunity to meet up in Christchurch for a visit to the
University of Canterbury. It was a fantastic learning experience for the students,
who typically attend Chemistry class together via Video-Conference.

They spent the morning looking at four analytical
techniques used to identify unknown compounds – mass spectrometry; X-ray
crystallography; Infra-Red spectroscopy and NMR spectroscopy.
Post-graduate students from the university ran the sessions.

The students asked lots of questions, enjoyed
watching the (extremely expensive) machines at work, and hearing all about the
research that goes on at the university.

After the workshop and a tasty lunch, there was
time for reflection on the learning, and preparation for the internal paper on
the topic.

The students really enjoyed the experience and
said that it had helped consolidate their knowledge of the topic.